System and method for coordinating product delivery with ground engaging tool position

ABSTRACT

An agricultural implement system that includes a control system configured to receive a first signal to initiate seeding operations, to transition a ground engaging tool toward a working position at a first time after receiving the first signal, and to activate a product delivery system at a second time, different from the first time, after receiving the first signal.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to ground working equipment, such asagricultural equipment, and more specifically, to an implementconfigured to coordinate product delivery with the position of a groundengaging tool.

Generally, seeding implements are towed behind a tractor or other workvehicle via a hitch assembly secured to a rigid frame of a planter orseeder. These seeding implements typically include one or more groundengaging tools or openers that form a seeding path for seed depositioninto the soil. The openers are used to break the soil to enable seeddeposition. After the seeds are deposited, each opener is followed by apacker wheel that packs the soil on top of the deposited seeds.

In certain configurations, the openers are capable of transitioningbetween a working position and a non-working position. For example,after completion of a seed row, the openers may be transitioned to thenon-working position in which the openers disengage the soil.Consequently, seeds will not be deposited in the soil as the implementis turned at a headland of a field, for example. Once the implement isaligned with the edge of a previously planted swath of soil, the openersmay be transitioned to the working position in which the openers engagethe soil.

As will be appreciated, it may be desirable to terminate a flow ofproduct (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) to the openers while the openersare in the non-working position. In certain configurations, a farmer maymanually control the flow of product. For example, the farmer may firstmanually disengage the flow of product, and then manually transition theopeners to the non-working position. However, due to inherent delays inthe product delivery system, product may still flow into the soil whilethe openers are transitioning to the non-working position. Consequently,seeds may be deposited at an improper depth. Conversely, if the flow ofproduct terminates before the openers begin the transition to thenon-working position, seeds may not be deposited within a portion of thefield, thereby resulting in decreased yields.

Furthermore, to restart seeding operations, the farmer may firstmanually transition the openers to the working position, and thenmanually engage the flow of product. However, if the farmer does notproperly coordinate product delivery with opener position, product mayflow into the soil before the openers have transitioned to the workingposition. Consequently, seeds may be deposited at an improper depth. Inaddition, if the openers reach the working position prior tocommencement of product flow, seeds may not be deposited within aportion of the field, thereby resulting in decreased yields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an agricultural implement systemincluding a control system configured to automatically coordinateproduct delivery with ground engaging tool position. In an exemplaryembodiment, the agricultural implement system includes a ground engagingtool configured to engage soil in a working position and to disengagethe soil in a non-working position. The agricultural implement systemalso includes a product delivery system configured to transfer productto the ground engaging tool such that the ground engaging tool depositsthe product into the soil. The agricultural implement system furtherincludes a control system configured to transition the ground engagingtool toward the working position at a first time and to activate theproduct delivery system at a second time such that the ground engagingtool reaches the working position and product deposition into the soilis initiated substantially simultaneously. In certain embodiments, thecontrol system is also configured to transition the ground engaging tooltoward the non-working position at a third time and to deactivate theproduct delivery system at a fourth time such that the ground engagingtool is withdrawn from the working position and product deposition intothe soil is terminated substantially simultaneously. Such aconfiguration may substantially reduce or eliminate wasted product thatmay be delivered to an improper depth.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary implement including acontrol system configured to automatically coordinate product deliverywith ground engaging tool position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an air cart coupled to the implement shown inFIG. 1, illustrating a row unit in a working position;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary product delivery system whichmay be employed within the air cart of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary implement system including acontrol system configured to control operation of a directional controlvalve to coordinate ground engaging tool position with operation of theproduct delivery system; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of operating theimplement to automatically coordinate product delivery with groundengaging tool position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anexemplary implement 10 including a control system configured toautomatically coordinate product delivery with ground engaging toolposition. The implement 10 is designed to be towed behind a work vehiclesuch as a tractor. The implement 10 includes a tow bar assembly 12 whichis shown in the form of an A-frame hitch assembly. The tow bar assembly12 may include a hitch used to attach to an appropriate tractor hitchvia a ball, clevis, or other coupling. The tow bar assembly 12 iscoupled to a tool bar 14 which supports multiple tool frames 16, such asthe illustrated center tool frame and wing tool frames. Each tool frame16 includes multiple seeding implements, such as the illustrated rowunits or hoe openers 18.

As discussed in detail below, each hoe opener 18 includes an actuatingcylinder configured to vary a working position of a ground engaging toolcoupled to the hoe opener 18. In the present embodiment, the actuatingcylinders are supplied by conduits extending from a fluid power supply.A directional control valve disposed between the actuating cylinders andthe fluid power supply controls the position of the ground engagingtools. A control system communicatively coupled to the directionalcontrol valve is configured to coordinate the position of the groundengaging tools with operation of a product delivery system. For example,the control system may be configured to transition the ground engagingtools toward the working position at a first time and to activate theproduct delivery system at a second time such that the ground engagingtools reach the working position and product deposition into the soil isinitiated substantially simultaneously. In addition, the control systemmay be configured to transition the ground engaging tools toward thenon-working position at a third time and to deactivate the productdelivery system at a fourth time such that the ground engaging tools arewithdrawn from the working position and product deposition into the soilis terminated substantially simultaneously. Such a configuration maysubstantially reduce or eliminate wasted product that may be deliveredto an improper depth.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an air cart coupled to the implement 10 shownin FIG. 1, illustrating a row unit 18 in a working position. In theillustrated embodiment, the implement 10 includes multiple frameactuators 20 configured to rotate each wing tool frame 16 in an upwarddirection 22 to transition the wing frames from the illustrated fieldposition to a transport position. For example, hydraulic pressure may beapplied to a rod end of a barrel 26, thereby driving a piston rod 28 toretract. Because the piston rod 28 is coupled to the wing tool frame 16,retraction of the piston rod 28 will urge the frame 16 to rotate in theupward direction 22 about a pivot at the bottom of the tool bar 14. Withthe frame 16 in the transport position, the row units 18 will disengagethe soil, thereby facilitating transport of the implement 10 across afield. In addition, a flow of product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) tothe row units 18 may be temporarily suspended while the wing frames 16are in the transport position. Consequently, the implement 10 may bemoved across a field (e.g., turned at a headland) without depositingproduct within the soil.

Conversely, each wing frame 16 may be transitioned to the field positionby applying hydraulic pressure to a cap end of the barrel 26, therebydriving the piston rod 28 to extend. Because the piston rod 28 iscoupled to the wing tool frame 16, extension of the piston rod 28 willurge the frame 16 to rotate in a downward direction 24 about the pivot.With the wing frames 16 in the illustrated field position, the row units18 may engage the soil, thereby facilitating seed deposition into thesoil. As illustrated, the implement 10 includes a wheel assembly 30having a wheel 32 which contacts the soil surface 34. Because the wingtool frames 16 may rotate in the direction 22 and/or 24, contact betweenthe wheel 32 and the soil surface 34 may drive each wing tool frame 16toward an orientation substantially parallel to the soil surface 34.Consequently, each row unit 18 may be properly positioned for seedand/or fertilizer deposition into the soil. In the present embodiment,the row units 18 are coupled to respective mounting brackets 36 on thewing tool frame 16. While a single row unit 18 is shown for clarity, itshould be appreciated that a row unit may be coupled to each mountingbracket 36 on the frame 16. For example, in certain embodiments morethan 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or more row units 18 may becoupled to each tool frame 16.

As illustrated, the row unit 18 includes a first member 38, a secondmember 40, and a tool actuator such as an actuating cylinder 42 (e.g.,hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston-cylinder assembly) coupled to themounting bracket 36. The cylinder 42 may be fluidly coupled to a fluidpower supply that provides a flow of pressurized fluid which displaces apiston rod extending from the cylinder. It should be appreciated thatthe fluid power supply may be hydraulic or pneumatic, thereby poweringthe hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 42. The mounting bracket 36 isconfigured to interface with the tool frame 16, thereby securing the rowunit 18 to the implement 10. For instance, multiple row units 18 may bemounted in parallel along the tool frame 16. In the presentconfiguration, the first member 38, the second member 40, and themounting bracket 36 form elements of a parallel linkage, also known as afour bar linkage. As will be appreciated, components of the row unit 18,such as the mounting bracket 36, first member 38 and second member 40,may be made of any suitable material, such as steel.

The cylinder 42 is attached to a shank 44 via a pin at the end of thepiston rod. The shank, in turn, is coupled to a ground engaging tool 46via fasteners which enable height adjustment of the ground engaging tool46 such that seeding depth may be varied. A pin is coupled to the firstmember 38 and the shank 44, enabling the shank 44 to pivotally rotateabout the pin as the cylinder 42 extends and retracts. Accordingly, theground engaging tool 46 moves in a downward or upward direction basedupon extension or retraction of the cylinder 42. Consequently, the toolactuator/cylinder 42 is configured to vary a penetration depth of theground engaging tool 46 into the soil 34 independently of a distancebetween the tool frame 16 and the soil 34. The shank 44 may featureseveral holes to receive a pin coupling the end of the cylinder 42 tothe shank 44. The adapter holes may be used to adjust the angle of thecylinder 42 with respect to the parallel linkage assembly, therebychanging the angle and magnitude of cylinder forces.

In the present embodiment, partially relieving pressure to a cap end ofthe cylinder 42 will reduce the downward force applied by a packer wheelassembly 48. In addition, applying pressure to a rod end of the cylinder42 will raise the packer wheel assembly 48, and will eventually lift thepacking wheel 50 from the terrain. As will be appreciated, the packerwheel assembly 48 is configured to establish a desired penetration depthof the ground engaging tool 46 into the soil 34. In the presentembodiment, the packer wheel assembly 48 may facilitate heightadjustment of the packer wheel 50, in the form of a fastener and slot oran equivalent structure. To facilitate seed deposition during operation,the ground engaging tool 46 is coupled to a seed tube 52. As discussedin detail below, the seed tube is configured to receive a flow ofproduct from a product delivery system.

As a result of this exemplary row unit configuration, the groundengaging tool 46 may be transitioned between a working position and anon-working position based on extension and retraction of the toolactuator/cylinder 42. As previously discussed, retraction of thecylinder 42 induces the ground engaging tool 46 to rotate in an upwarddirection, thereby extracting the ground engaging tool 46 from the soil,and transitioning the tool 46 toward the non-working position. Movingeach ground engaging tool 46 into the non-working position facilitatestransport of the seeding implement 10 by reducing the draft forceassociated with each tool 46. In addition, a flow of product (e.g.,seeds, fertilizer, etc.) to the row unit 18 may be temporarily suspendedwhen the ground engaging tools 46 are in the non-working position.Consequently, the seeding implement 10 may be moved across a field(e.g., turned at a headland) without depositing product within the soil,and without disturbing regions of the soil where product has alreadybeen deposited.

Conversely, each ground engaging tool 46 may be transitioned toward theworking position by extending the tool actuator/cylinder 42, therebydriving the ground engaging tool 46 to rotate in a downward direction.As will be appreciated, while the ground engaging tool 46 is in theworking position, the tool 46 may excavate a trench into the soil as theimplement 10 traverses the field. Once a trench has been excavated, theproduct delivery system may deposit seeds and/or fertilizer into thesoil via the seed tube 52. The packer wheel 50 may then close thetrench, thereby forming a seed row suitable for crop development.

While the illustrated embodiment includes a frame actuator 20 and a toolactuator 42, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments mayonly include one type of actuator 20 or 42. For example, in certainembodiments, the ground engaging tools 46 may be fixed relative to thetool frame 16. In such embodiments, the frame actuator 20 may rotate thetool frame 16 in the directions 22 and 24 to transition the groundengaging tools between the working/field position and thenon-working/transport position. In alternative embodiments, theorientation of the tool frame 16 may be fixed relative to the tool bar14. In such embodiments, the tool actuators 42 may transition the groundengaging tools 46 between the working and non-working positions.

As illustrated, an air cart 54 is coupled to the implement 10 via thecenter tool frame 16. In the illustrated embodiment, product (e.g.,seeds and/or fertilizer) is transferred from the air cart 54 to the rowunit 18 via a flow of air passing through a pneumatic seed distributionhose 56. For implements 10 with multiple row units 18, separate hoses 56and/or a distribution system (e.g., including at least one manifold andmultiple hoses) may be employed to transfer product from the air cart 54to each row unit 18. The illustrated air cart 54 includes a storage tank60, a frame 62, wheels 64, a product delivery system 66 and an airsource 68. In certain configurations, the storage tank 60 includesmultiple compartments for storing various flowable particulatematerials. For example, one compartment may include seeds, and anothercompartment may include a dry fertilizer. In such configurations, theair cart 54 is configured to deliver both the seeds and fertilizer tothe implement 10. The frame 62 includes a towing hitch configured tocouple to the implement 10 or tow vehicle. Seeds and/or fertilizerwithin the storage tank 60 are gravity fed into the product deliverysystem 66. In the present embodiment, the product delivery system 66 isa metering assembly that includes meter rollers to regulate the flow ofmaterial from the storage tank 60 into an air flow provided by the airsource 68. The air flow then carries the material to the implement 10,thereby supplying the row units 18 with seeds and/or fertilizer fordeposition within the soil. As discussed in detail below, a controlsystem is configured to coordinate operation of the product deliverysystem 66 with actuation of the ground engaging tools 46 (e.g., via theframe actuators 20, or the tool actuators 42) to substantially reduce oreliminate wasted product that may be deposited at an improper depth.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary product delivery system 66which may be employed within the air cart 54 of FIG. 2. As illustrated,the air source 68 is coupled to a conduit 70 configured to flow air 72past the product delivery system 66. The air source 68 may be a pump orblower powered by an electric or hydraulic motor, for example. Flowableparticulate material 74 (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) within thestorage tank 60 flows by gravity into the product delivery system 66.The product delivery system 66 includes one or more meter rollers 76configured to regulate the flow of material 74 into the air flow 72.More particularly, the product delivery system 66 may include multiplemeter rollers 76 disposed adjacent to one another along a longitudinalaxis of the rollers 76. For example, certain product delivery systems 66include seven meter rollers 76. Such systems 66 are known as “7-run”metering assemblies. However, alternative embodiments may include moreor fewer meter rollers 76, e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more. Furtherembodiments may include one continuous meter roller 76.

Each meter roller 76 includes an interior cavity 78 configured toreceive a shaft that drives the meter roller 76. In the presentembodiment, the cavity 78 has a hexagonal cross section. However,alternative embodiments may include various other cavity configurations(e.g., triangular, square, keyed, splined, etc.). The shaft is coupledto a drive unit, such as an electric or hydraulic motor, configured torotate the meter rollers 76. Alternatively, the meter rollers 76 may becoupled to a wheel 64 by a gear assembly such that rotation of the wheel64 drives the meter rollers 76 to rotate. Such a configuration willautomatically vary the rotation rate of the meter rollers 76 based onthe speed of the air cart 54.

Each meter roller 76 also includes multiple flutes 80 and recesses 82.The number and geometry of the flutes 80 are particularly configured toaccommodate the material 74 being distributed. The illustratedembodiment includes six flutes 80 and a corresponding number of recesses82. Alternative embodiments may include more or fewer flutes 80 and/orrecesses 82. For example, the meter roller 76 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more flutes 80 and/or recesses 82. In addition, thedepth of the recesses 82 and/or the height of the flutes 80 areconfigured to accommodate the material 74 within the storage tank 60.For example, a meter roller 76 having deeper recesses 82 and fewerflutes 80 may be employed for larger seeds, while a meter roller 76having shallower recesses 82 and more flutes 80 may be employed forsmaller seeds. Other parameters such as flute pitch (i.e., rotationrelative to a longitudinal axis) and flute angle (i.e., rotationrelative to a radial axis) may also be varied in alternativeembodiments.

For a particular meter roller configuration, the rotation rate of themeter roller 76 controls the flow of material 74 into the air stream 72.Specifically, as the meter roller 76 rotates, material is transferredthrough an opening 84 in the product delivery system 66 into the conduit70. The material then mixes with air from the air source 68, therebyforming an air/material mixture 86. The mixture then flows to the rowunits 18 of the implement 10 via the pneumatic conduits 56, where theseeds and/or fertilizer are deposited within the soil. In the presentembodiment, the product delivery system 66 may be deactivated bystopping rotation of the meter rollers 76, thereby substantiallyblocking the flow of material through the opening 84. Conversely, theproduct delivery system 66 may be activated by engaging rotation of themeter rollers 76. In this manner, product flow to the row units 18 maybe temporarily suspending while the ground engaging tools 46 are in thenon-working position. While the illustrated embodiment utilizes a meterroller 76 to supply product to the air stream 72, it should beappreciated that alternative embodiments may employ other devices, suchas an auger, to regulate the flow of product to the conduit 70.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary implement system 10 includinga control system configured to control operation of a directionalcontrol valve to coordinate ground engaging tool position with operationof the product delivery system 66. As illustrated, a first fluid conduit88 and a second fluid conduit 90 extend to each actuating cylinder 42.While two actuating cylinders 42 are illustrated, it should beappreciated that more or fewer cylinders 42 may be employed within theimplement 10. For example, in certain configurations, one actuatingcylinder 42 may be employed for each hoe opener 18 to transition eachground engaging tool 46 between the working and non-working positions.In alternative embodiments, a single actuating cylinder may be employedto transition the entire implement 10 between the working andnon-working positions by rotating the implement in an upward direction,for example. In further embodiments, one actuating cylinder 20 may becoupled to each wing tool frame 16 and configured to rotate each wingtool frame 16 about the tool bar 14 to transition the hoe openers 18between the working and non-working positions. In each embodiment, thecylinders 42 may be arranged in a parallel flow configuration in whicheach cylinder 42 is directly coupled to the first and second conduits 88and 90. In other words, fluid does not flow from one cylinder 42 toanother in a serial flow configuration.

As illustrated, the first fluid conduit 88 is coupled to a first side ofeach cylinder 42, while the second fluid conduit 90 is coupled to asecond side of each cylinder 42. In the present embodiment, the firstfluid conduit 88 is coupled to a cap side 92 of the cylinder 42, and thesecond fluid conduit 90 is coupled to a rod side 94 of the cylinder 42.Consequently, applying fluid pressure to the first conduit 88 inducesthe cylinder 42 to extend in the direction 96, while applying fluidpressure to the second conduit 90 induces the cylinder 42 to retract inthe direction 98. It should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the cylinder 42 may be reversed such that the first fluidconduit 88 is coupled to the rod side 94, and the second fluid conduit90 is coupled to the cap side 92. In such embodiments, applying fluidpressure to the first fluid conduit 88 will induce the cylinder 42 toretract in the direction 98, while applying fluid pressure to the secondconduit 90 will induce the cylinder 42 to extend in the direction 96.

As illustrated, the actuating cylinders 42 include a barrel 100 havingan end cap 102, a gland 104, and a piston 106. As will be appreciated,the cap end 92 is defined by a volume formed from the piston 106, barrel100 and end cap 102, while the rod end 94 is defined by a volume formedfrom the piston 106, barrel 100 and gland 104. Furthermore, a rod 108 iscoupled to the piston 106 such that movement of the piston 106 drivesthe rod 108 to translate in the direction 96 and/or 98. As will befurther appreciated, various seals may be employed between the rod 108and the gland 104 to block a flow of fluid from exiting the cylinder 42.In addition, the piston 106 includes additional seals to block a flow offluid between the cap side 92 and the rod side 94 of the cylinder 42. Inthe present embodiment, applying fluid pressure to the first conduit 88increases pressure to the cap side 92 of the cylinder 42, therebydriving the piston 106 and the rod 108 in the direction 96. Conversely,applying fluid pressure to the second conduit 90 increases pressure tothe rod side 94 of the cylinder 42, thereby driving the piston 106 andthe rod 108 in the direction 98. It should be appreciated thatincreasing pressure to one conduit may be accompanied by a decrease inpressure to the other conduit to facilitate movement of the piston 106within the barrel 100. It should further be appreciated that thecylinders 42 may be particularly configured to operate based onpneumatic or hydraulic fluid pressure.

As illustrated, the first conduit 88 and the second conduit 90 arecoupled to a directional control valve 110 configured to control fluidflow from the fluid power supply to the actuating cylinders 42. In thepresent embodiment, the directional control valve 110 is athree-position/four-way hydraulic valve configured to control a flow ofhydraulic fluid. However, it should be appreciated that a pneumaticdirectional control valve 110 may be employed within embodimentsutilizing pneumatic cylinders 42. In the present embodiment, a supplyconduit 112 and a return conduit 114 are coupled to the directionalcontrol valve 110. The supply conduit 112 is configured to provide fluidto the implement 10, while the return conduit 114 enables fluid toreturn to the fluid power supply. As discussed in detail below, thesupply conduit 112 and the return conduit 114 may be coupled to acontrol valve within the tow vehicle such that fluid flow to theimplement 10 may be manually adjusted.

In the present embodiment, the directional control valve 110 includes afirst position 116 configured to block fluid flow from the supply andreturn conduits 112 and 114 to the first and second conduits 88 and 90.While the directional control valve 110 is in the first position 116,fluid pressure within the cap end 92 and the rod end 94 of each cylinder42 will be maintained, thereby holding the ground engaging tools 46 in adesired position. The directional control valve 110 also includes asecond position 118 that establishes a fluid connection between thesupply conduit 112 and the second conduit 90, and between the returnconduit 114 and the first conduit 88. While the directional controlvalve 110 is in the second position 118, fluid will flow from the supplyconduit 112 to the rod end 94 of each cylinder 42 and from the cap end92 of each cylinder 42 to the return conduit 114, thereby inducing thepiston rods 108 to retract in the direction 98. Consequently,transitioning the directional control valve 110 to the second position118 induces the ground engaging tools 46 to rotate toward thenon-working position. Furthermore, the directional control valve 110includes a third position 120 that establishes a fluid connectionbetween the supply conduit 112 and the first conduit 88, and between thereturn conduit 114 and the second conduit 90. While the directionalcontrol valve 110 is in the third position 120, fluid will flow from thesupply conduit 112 to the cap end 92 of each cylinder 42 and from therod end 94 of each cylinder 42 to the return conduit 114, therebyinducing the piston rods 108 to extend in the direction 96.Consequently, transitioning the directional control valve 110 to thethird position 120 induces the ground engaging tools 46 to rotate towardthe working position.

As illustrated, the directional control valve 110 includes two actuators122 and 124 configured to adjust the position of the valve 110. In thepresent embodiment, the first actuator 122 is a solenoid configured todrive the directional control valve 110 to the second position 118, andthe second actuator 124 is a solenoid configured to drive the valve 110to the third position 120. Both the first and second actuators 122 and124 are coupled to an implement controller 126 configured to adjust theposition of the directional control valve 110. Consequently, theimplement controller 126 may vary the position of the ground engagingtools 46 by adjusting the position of the directional control valve 110.For example, the controller 126 may transition the ground engaging tools46 toward the working position by driving the directional control valve110 to the third position 120 via the second actuator 124. Thecontroller 126 may also transition the ground engaging tools 46 towardthe non-working position by driving the directional control valve 110 tothe second position 118 via the first actuator 122.

In certain embodiments, the position of the ground engaging tools 46 maybe manually adjustable. For example, the implement controller 126 maytransition the directional control valve 110 to the second position 118,thereby establishing a fluid connection between the supply conduit 112and the second conduit 90, and between the return conduit 114 and thefirst conduit 88. Fluid flow to the supply conduit 112 and the returnconduit 114 may then be adjusted to vary the position of the groundengaging tools 46. For example, the supply conduit 112 and the returnconduit 114 may be coupled to a control valve within a tow vehicle. Inthis configuration, an operator may manually control the flow of fluidto the implement 10 by varying the position of the control valve. Inthis manner, the position of the ground engaging tools 46 may bemanually adjusted. In further embodiments, an electronic orelectromechanical actuator may be coupled to each ground engaging tool46 to transition the tools between the working and non-workingpositions. In such embodiments, the implement controller 126 may becommunicatively coupled to each actuator to facilitate automatic and/ormanual control of ground engaging tool position.

As illustrated, the implement controller 126 is communicatively coupledto a product controller 128 within the air cart 54 via a communicationbus 130. As will be appreciated, the implement controller 126 and theproduct controller 128 may be communicatively linked by a wirelessconnection, a wired connection, or an optical fiber connection, forexample. Furthermore, the communication bus 130 may employ any suitablecommunication protocol such as CAN Bus or ISO Bus, for example. Theimplement controller 126 and the product controller 128 form elements ofa control system configured to coordinate the position of the groundengaging tools 46 with operation of the product delivery system 66 tosubstantially reduce or eliminate wasted product that may be depositedat an improper depth. For example, in certain embodiments, the implementcontroller 126 may be configured to control the position of the groundengaging tools 46, and to send signals to the product controller 128instructing the controller 128 to activate or deactivate the productdelivery system 66. Alternatively, the product controller 128 maycontrol the product delivery system 66, and send signals to theimplement controller 126 instructing the controller 126 to raise orlower the ground engaging tools 46. Furthermore, while a singleimplement controller 126 and a single product controller 128 areemployed in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated thatalternative embodiments may include multiple controllers coupled to theimplement 10 and/or the air cart 54 to control operation of the groundengaging tools 46 and/or the product deliver system 66.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control system is configured totransition the ground engaging tools 46 toward the working position at afirst time and to activate the product delivery system 66 at a secondtime such that the ground engaging tools 46 reach the working positionand product deposition into the soil is initiated substantiallysimultaneously. In addition, the control system is configured totransition the ground engaging tools 46 toward the non-working positionat a third time and to deactivate the product delivery system 66 at afourth time such that the ground engaging tools 46 are withdrawn fromthe working position and product deposition into the soil is terminatedsubstantially simultaneously. In this manner, a proper flow of productmay be provided to the hoe openers 18 during each phase of plantingand/or seeding operations.

As illustrated, the implement controller 126 and the product controller128 are coupled to a spatial locating device, such as the illustratedGlobal Positioning System (GPS) 132, and a user interface 134 within atow vehicle 136 via the bus 130. However, it should be appreciated thatthe GPS 132 may be omitted in certain embodiments. In the illustratedembodiment, the user interface 134 includes a first button 138configured to engage product delivery, and a second button 140configured to disengage product delivery. As will be appreciated,alternative embodiments may include a single switch or knob configuredto engage and disengage product delivery. The user interface 134 alsoincludes a first knob 142 configured to adjust a product engagementdelay, and a first display 144 configured to display the magnitude ofthe engagement delay. In addition, the user interface 134 includes asecond knob 146 configured to adjust a product disengagement delay, anda second display 148 configured to display the magnitude of thedisengagement delay. As will be appreciated, alternative embodiments ofthe user interface 134 may include alternative inputs for adjusting theengagement and disengagement delays, and/or alternative displays toindicate the magnitude of the delays.

In the present embodiment, an operator may engage product delivery bydepressing the first button 138. The user interface 134 will then send asignal to the control system (e.g., the implement controller 126 and/orthe product controller 128) to initiate seeding operations. The controlsystem, in turn, will transition the ground engaging tools 46 toward theworking position at a first time after receiving the signal, and willactivate the product delivery system 66 at a second time after receivingthe signal. In the present embodiment, the first time and the secondtime are selected by adjusting the engagement delay via the first knob142. By way of example, five seconds may elapse between activation ofthe product delivery system 66 and a flow of product reaching the seedtubes 52. For example, activation of the product delivery system 66 mayinvolve initiation of meter roller rotation. Once the meter rollers 76begin to rotate, product 74 will enter the conduit 70. However, due tothe length of the distribution hose 56, five seconds may elapse beforethe air flow 72 conveys the product to the seed tubes 52. Furthermore,the process of transitioning the ground engaging tools 46 to the workingposition may take seven seconds. Consequently, to ensure that the flowof product reaches the ground engaging tools 46 at the same time theground engaging tools 46 fully engage the soil, a two second delay maybe employed between initiation of ground engaging tool rotation andactivation of the product delivery system 66.

In such a configuration, the operator may adjust the first knob 142until the first display 144 indicates a two second engagement delay. Asa result, once the operator depresses the first button 138, the controlsystem will immediately begin transitioning the ground engaging tools 46toward the working position. Two seconds later, the control system willactivate the product delivery system 66. Consequently, the first timeassociated with transitioning the ground engaging tools 46 toward theworking position is zero seconds, and the second time associated withactivation of the product delivery system is two seconds. As previouslydiscussed, the implement controller 126 may transition the groundengaging tools toward the working position by driving the directionalcontrol valve 110 to the third position 120 via the actuator 124,thereby establishing a fluid connection between the supply conduit 112and the cap side 92 of the cylinders 42 and between the return conduit114 and the rod side 94 of the cylinders 42. In addition, the controlsystem may activate the product delivery system 66 (e.g., via theproduct controller 128) which may, in turn, initiate rotation of themeter rollers 76.

While a five second product delivery time and a seven second groundengaging tool transition time are described above, it should beappreciated that a higher or lower product delivery time and/ortransition time may be present in alternative embodiments. For example,the product delivery time may be approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9or 10 seconds, or more. Similarly, the time to transition the groundengaging tools 46 to the working position may be approximately 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 seconds, or more. In certain embodiments, thetransition time may be less than the product delivery time. In suchembodiments, the second time may be zero seconds, while the first timemay be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 seconds, or more. For example, embodimentsconfigured to transition the ground engaging tools toward the workingposition via rotation of the tool frame 16 may take approximately fourseconds to complete the transition. In such embodiments, the operatormay adjust the first knob 142 such that the display 144 indicates avalue of negative one (−1) seconds. Consequently, when the operatordepresses the first button 138, the control system will activate theproduct delivery system 66 one second prior to initiating the transitionof the ground engaging tools 46 toward the working position. As aresult, the product will reach the seed tubes 52 at substantially thesame time that the ground engaging tools fully engage the soil.

Conversely, an operator may disengage product delivery by depressing thesecond button 140. The user interface 134 will then send a signal to thecontrol system to terminate seeding operations. The control system, inturn, will transition the ground engaging tools 46 toward thenon-working position at a third time after receiving the signal, andwill deactivate the product delivery system 66 at a fourth time afterreceiving the signal. In the present embodiment, the third time and thefourth time are selected by adjusting the disengagement delay via thesecond knob 146. By way of example, four seconds may elapse betweendeactivation of the product delivery system 66 and termination ofproduct flow at the seed tubes 52. For example, deactivation of theproduct delivery system 66 may involve stopping meter roller rotation.Once the meter rollers 76 stop, product 74 will no longer enter theconduit 70. However, due to the length of the distribution hose 56, fourseconds may elapse before the air flow 72 conveys all of the remainingproduct to the seed tubes 52. Furthermore, one second may elapse betweeninitiation of ground engaging tool rotation and movement of the tools 46toward the non-working position. As will be appreciated, contact betweenthe soil and the ground engaging tools 46 may establish a resistance toupward rotation. Therefore, one second may elapse before sufficientfluid pressure is provided to the rod end 94 of the cylinders 42 toovercome the resistance. Consequently, to ensure product flow into thesoil terminates at the same time the ground engaging tools 46 arewithdrawn from the working position, a three second delay may beemployed between deactivation of the product delivery system 66 andinitiation of ground engaging tool rotation.

Therefore, the operator may adjust the second knob 146 until the seconddisplay 148 indicates a three second disengagement delay. As a result,once the operator depresses the second button 140, the control systemwill immediately deactivate the product delivery system 66. Threeseconds later, the control system will begin transitioning the groundengaging tools 46 toward the non-working position. Consequently, thethird time associated with transitioning the ground engaging tools 46toward the non-working position is three seconds, and the fourth timeassociated with deactivation of the product delivery system 66 is zeroseconds. As previously discussed, the implement controller 126 maytransition the ground engaging tools 46 toward the non-working positionby driving the directional control valve 110 toward the second position118 via the actuator 122, thereby establishing a fluid connectionbetween the supply conduit 112 and the rod side 94 of the cylinders 42and between the return conduit 114 and the cap side 92 of the cylinders42. In addition, the control system may deactivate the product deliverysystem 66 (e.g., via the product controller 128) which may, in turn,stop rotation of the meter rollers 76.

While a four second product termination time and a one second groundengaging tool rotation time are described above, it should beappreciated that a higher or lower product termination time and/orrotation time may be present in alternative embodiments. For example,the product termination time may be approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9 or 10 seconds, or more. Similarly, the time to initiate rotation ofthe ground engaging tools 46 toward the non-working position may beapproximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 seconds, or more. Incertain embodiments, the product termination time may be less than therotation initiation time. In such embodiments, the third time may bezero seconds, while the fourth time may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 seconds,or more. For example, embodiments configured to transition the groundengaging tools toward the non-working position via rotation of the toolframe 16 may take approximately 5 seconds to initiate the rotation. Insuch embodiments, the operator may adjust the second knob 146 such thatthe second display 148 indicates a value of negative one (−1) seconds.Consequently, when the operator depresses the second button 140, thecontrol system will initiate the transition of the ground engaging tools46 toward the non-working position one second prior to deactivating theproduct delivery system 66. As a result, product flow to the seed tubes52 will terminate at substantially the same time that the groundengaging tools are withdrawn from the working position.

While the engagement delay and the disengagement delay may be inputthrough the user interface 134 in the present embodiment, it should beappreciated that alternative embodiments may employ a control systemhaving predetermined delay times. In further embodiments, the delaytimes may be automatically calculated based on air velocity, hydraulicpressure, length of the distribution hose 56, product type, etc. In suchembodiments, the relevant parameters may be input through the userinterface 134. In addition, it should be appreciated that delay timesmay be selected such that the ground engaging tools reach the workingposition and product deposition into the soil is initiated at differenttimes, and/or the ground engaging tools are withdrawn from the workingposition and product deposition into the soil is terminated at differenttimes.

Furthermore, while the engagement/disengagement of product delivery andthe position of the ground engaging tools are controlled via the userinterface 134 in the present embodiment, it should be appreciated thatalternative embodiments may utilize the GPS 132 to automatically controlseeding operations. For example, the GPS 132 may detect when theimplement 10 reaches the end of a row, and automatically disengageproduct delivery and transition the ground engaging tools to thenon-working position based on the disengagement delay. In addition, theGPS 132 may detect when the implement reaches the beginning of asubsequent row, and automatically engage product delivery and transitionthe ground engaging tools to the working position based on theengagement delay. By utilizing delay times to initiate and terminateseeding operations, inaccuracies associated with manually controllingthe ground engaging tools and product delivery system may besubstantially reduced or eliminated. In addition, because the groundengaging tools 46 and the product delivery system 66 are controlled bythe control system, a work switch used to control operation of theproduct delivery system based on position of the ground engaging toolsis obviated.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 150 of operating theimplement 10 to automatically coordinate product delivery with groundengaging tool position. First, as represented by block 152, a signal toinitiate seeding operations is received. As previously discussed, thesignal to initiate seeding operations may be sent from the userinterface 134 within the tow vehicle 136 based on operator input.Alternatively, the signal may be sent by a spatial locating device(e.g., GPS 132) such that seeding operations may be initiatedautomatically in response to implement position. In certain embodiments,the signal to initiate seeding operations is received by the controller126 mounted on the implement 10 or the controller 128 mounted on the aircart 54.

Next, as represented by block 154, the ground engaging tools 46 aretransitioned to the working position at a first time. In addition, theproduct delivery system 66 is activated at a second time, as representedby block 156. As previously discussed, the first and second times areselected such that the ground engaging tools reach the working positionand product deposition into the soil is initiated substantiallysimultaneously. For example, the control system may immediately initiatethe transition of the ground engaging tools 46 toward the workingposition and delay activation of the product delivery system 66.Alternatively, the control system may immediately activate the productdelivery system 66 and delay transitioning the ground engaging tools 46toward the working position (i.e., step 156 occurs prior to step 154).In this manner, product will be deposited into the soil when the groundengaging tools 46 have completed the transition to the working position.Consequently, product will be deposited at a desired depth, therebysubstantially reducing or eliminating wasted product.

Once a row has been planted, a signal to terminate seeding operationswill be received, as indicated by block 158. As previously discussed,the signal to terminate seeding operations may be sent by the userinterface 134 or a spatial locating device (e.g., the GPS 132). Next, asrepresented by block 160, the ground engaging tools 46 are transitionedtoward the non-working position at a third time. In addition, theproduct delivery system 66 is deactivated at a fourth time, asrepresented by block 162. The third and fourth times are selected suchthat the ground engaging tools 46 are withdrawn from the workingposition and product deposition into the soil is terminatedsubstantially simultaneously. For example, the control system mayimmediately transition the ground engaging tools 46 toward thenon-working position and delay deactivation of the product deliverysystem 66. Alternatively, the control system may immediately deactivatethe product delivery system 66 and delay transitioning the groundengaging tools 46 toward the non-working position (i.e., step 162 occursprior to step 160). In this manner, product flow to the seed tubes 52will terminate at substantially the same time that the ground engagingtools 46 are withdrawn from the working position. Consequently, productwill be deposited at a desired depth, thereby substantially reducing oreliminating wasted product.

While some of the components will be on and integrated into the towedimplement 10, others may be either on the implement 10, on the air cart54 or on the tow vehicle 136. For example, processing circuitry, controlcircuitry, and so forth may be located on a tractor and configured tocontrol operation of the ground engaging tools 46 and/or the productdelivery system 66. For instance, a controller within the tow vehicle136 may coordinate the position of the ground engaging tools 46 withoperation of the product delivery system 66 to substantially reduce oreliminate wasted product that may be deposited at an improper depth.Signals associated with operation of the ground engaging tools 46 and/orthe product delivery system 66 may be transmitted through any suitableinterface, such as a CAN Bus or ISO Bus, for example. All sucharrangements are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An agricultural implement system,comprising: a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil in aworking position and to disengage the soil in a non-working position; aproduct delivery system configured to transfer product to a seed tubeproximate to the ground engaging tool, wherein the seed tube isconfigured to deposit the product into the soil; and a control systemconfigured to transition the ground engaging tool toward the workingposition at a first time and to activate the product delivery system ata second time, different from the first time, such that the groundengaging tool reaches the working position and product deposition intothe soil is initiated substantially simultaneously, and wherein thecontrol system is configured to transition the ground engaging tooltoward the non-working position at a third time and to deactivate theproduct delivery system at a fourth time, different from the third time,such that the ground engaging tool is withdrawn from the workingposition and product deposition into the soil is terminatedsubstantially simultaneously.
 2. The agricultural implement system ofclaim 1, comprising a user interface configured to adjust the firsttime, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time.
 3. Theagricultural implement system of claim 1, comprising an actuatingcylinder coupled to the ground engaging tool and configured totransition the ground engaging tool between the working position and thenon-working position.
 4. The agricultural implement system of claim 1,comprising a directional control valve communicatively coupled to thecontrol system, wherein the directional control valve is configured tocontrol a flow of fluid from a fluid power supply to the actuatingcylinder.
 5. The agricultural implement system of claim 3, comprising aplurality of ground engaging tools coupled to a frame, wherein theactuating cylinder is configured to transition the plurality of groundengaging tools between the working position and the non-working positionby rotating the frame.
 6. The agricultural implement system of claim 1,wherein the product delivery system comprises a metering assemblydisposed within an air cart.
 7. An agricultural implement system,comprising: a control system configured to receive a first signal toinitiate seeding operations, to transition a ground engaging tool towarda working position at a first time after receiving the first signal, andto activate a product delivery system at a second time, different fromthe first time, after receiving the first signal, wherein the productdelivery system is configured to transfer a product to a seed tubeproximate to the ground engaging tool upon activation.
 8. Theagricultural implement system of claim 7, wherein the first time and thesecond time are selected such that the ground engaging tool reaches theworking position and product deposition into soil is initiatedsubstantially simultaneously.
 9. The agricultural implement system ofclaim 7, wherein the control system is configured to receive a secondsignal to terminate seeding operations, to transition the groundengaging tool toward a non-working position at a third time afterreceiving the second signal, and to deactivate the product deliverysystem at a fourth time, different from the third time, after receivingthe second signal.
 10. The agricultural implement system of claim 9,wherein the third time and the fourth time are selected such that theground engaging tool is withdrawn from the working position and productdeposition into the soil is terminated substantially simultaneously. 11.The agricultural implement system of claim 7, comprising a userinterface configured to send the first signal to the control systembased on operator input.
 12. The agricultural implement system of claim11, wherein the user interface is configured to adjust the first timeand the second time based on operator input.
 13. The agriculturalimplement system of claim 7, comprising a spatial locating deviceconfigured to send the first signal to the control system based onposition of the agricultural implement system.
 14. The agriculturalimplement system of claim 7, wherein the product delivery systemcomprises a metering assembly disposed within an air cart.
 15. A methodof operating an agricultural implement system, comprising: providing acontrol system configured to receive a first signal to initiate seedingoperations; transitioning a ground engaging tool toward a workingposition at a first time after receiving the first signal; activating aproduct delivery system at a second time, different from the first time,after receiving the first signal, wherein the first time and the secondtime are selected such that the ground engaging tool reaches the workingposition and product deposition into soil is initiated substantiallysimultaneously, wherein the product delivery system is configured totransfer a product to a seed tube proximate to the ground engaging toolupon activation.
 16. The method of claim 15, comprising: receiving asecond signal to terminate seeding operations; transitioning the groundengaging tool toward a non-working position at a third time afterreceiving the second signal; deactivating the product delivery system ata fourth time after receiving the second signal, wherein the third timeand the fourth time are selected such that the ground engaging tool iswithdrawn from the working position and product deposition into the soilis terminated substantially simultaneously.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the first time, the second time, the third time and the fourthtime are adjustable via a user interface.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein the first signal and the second signal are received from a userinterface.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first signal and thesecond signal are received from a spatial locating device.